Thayer Munford Jr. was sitting in his locker Thursday morning, answering questions about the game against the Detroit Lions on Monday, when Aidan Hutchinson’s name came up.
When the Raiders offensive lineman heard the edge rusher’s name, he looked up with a slight grin, like a batter’s eyes opening up at a fastball barreling down the middle of the plate.
While Munford and Hutchinson share a mutual respect, there is no love lost when they face off on the field. Before joining the NFL, the two had a number of meetings, with Ohio State and Michigan having one of the most heated rivalries in college football history.
The two had their most recent meeting in November of 2021. Hutchinson and No. 5 ranked Michigan were notoriously superior to Munford’s No. 2 ranked Buckeyes. Hutchinson had three sacks in Michigan’s 42-27 victory, propelling the Wolverines to the College Football Playoffs.
Hutchinson was selected second overall in the 2022 NFL Draft. Munford was chosen 236th overall. Nonetheless, they are both having a significant impact for their teams and will now have the opportunity to face each other again.
“Our last year at Michigan and Ohio State, it was a real one,” Munford reflected. “He won his final game, but I did not.” At the same time, I understand how he plays, and he understands how I play. It’s a good rivalry, in my opinion. He’s an excellent player. We’re all good athletes. At the same time, at the end of the day, it’s all love.”
In his second year in the league, the Raiders’ right tackle is coming into his own. He started four games as a rookie, attempting to navigate the NFL’s pressures and complexities. He spent most of the season filling in for injured players and playing tight end in jumbo packages.
In 2023, he’s taken on a bigger role, starting the last two games at right tackle and playing more than half of the offensive snaps in the last three games.
Furthermore, his Pro Football Focus offensive grade has increased by 12 points since his rookie season, with his 74 run blocking grade currently ranking first on the team.
“He’s a really bright young man,” Munford’s head coach, Josh McDaniels, said. “Tough, durable, has learned multiple roles because we’ve played him at tight end and tackle, and does whatever is asked of him.” Like all young men, he studies, knows his assignments, and works on his technique.
“But Thayer has a youthful exuberance and energy that you really enjoy being around.” You can feel it on the field as well; he does it throughout the game.”
Coach Lombardi discusses game preparation for Aidan Hutchinson and the Lions defense.
Munford was also described as a joy to coach by offensive coordinator Mick Lombardi, who described the tackle as someone who brings “good juice” to the locker room.
“Every player who, in my opinion, makes it into the Sunday lineup or rotation is consistent in practice.” “And Thayer did a good job of playing at a consistent base both in pass protection and in the run game in the spring and then in training camp,” Lombardi said Tuesday.
“He’s earned that playing time.” A leader’s goal is to influence others in a positive way. You can have a positive impact on the unit and get them to play better. I believe Thayer does a good job of getting the offensive line going and bringing good juice and good energy.”
The Ohio State product believes it is critical to bring a positive attitude to the team and takes pride in it. He acknowledged that his success this season has come from bringing energy to every down and living in the moment on every play.
“If you have a negative attitude towards everything, especially with our offensive drives, you’re not going to do well at all,” Munford told reporters. “You can’t have one good drive where you have a lot of energy and then the next drive where you don’t have any energy at all.” The most important thing for our team is to bring the energy. I try to bring as much energy as possible every time I come in, both on and off the field.”
